"Chariots of Fire" is an instrumental theme written and recorded by Vangelis for the soundtrack of the 1981 film of the same name. The theme was released as a single and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1982. It was also a top-20 hit in the UK, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand. It has been covered by numerous performers and used for various television programs and sporting events.
Many cover versions of "Chariots of Fire" have been recorded in all styles by various artists, including the orchestral sounds of John Williams and the Boston Pops, the electric guitars of The Shadows, the soft piano of Richard Clayderman, the pan flute of Zamfir, and the jazz of The Bad Plus.
Vocal recordings of "Chariots of Fire" have been made by Melissa Manchester, Jane Olivor, Mireille Mathieu, Demis Roussos, and various others, all with the lyrics from "Race to the End" provided by Jon Anderson.
